Resolution # 1
Constitutional Amendment
Change of CUPE Per Capita Tax
Submitted by the CUPE NB Executive Committee

The per capita tax to CUPE NB and the split between the General Fund and the Defence Fund will be amended as follows:

Amend Article 9.1 (a) to add:

Effective July 1, 2007, the per capita shall be one dollar and twenty-five cents ($1.25) per month, of which seventy-five cents ($0.75) will be placed in the General Fund and fifty cents ($0.50) in the Defence Fund.

Because:

●    General Fund expenses have increased without any increase in per capita rates in the last twelve years

●    CUPE New Brunswick can carry out a progressive, proactive agenda if the funding is available in the General Fund

●    Funding is needed in the General Fund to effectively carry out the plan of coordinated bargaining.

Convention decsion: Approved as amended

Resolution # 2

Resolution for CUPE Biennial Convention 2007

Election of General and Regional Vice-Presidents to the National Executive Board

Submitted by the Executive Committee

CUPE NB will submit a resolution to the 2007 National Convention to make the necessary amendments to the National Constitution to provide for:

      ●    Election of the Regional Vice-Presidents shall be by and among delegates from the regions defined in Article VII.

      ●    Election of the General Vice-Presidents shall be by and among the following regions:

            ○          One from the regions of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island;

            ○          One from the region of Québec;

            ○          One from the regions of Ontario and Northern Ontario;

            ○          One from the regions of Manitoba and Saskatchewan;

            ○          One from the regions of Alberta and British Columbia.

Convention decision: approved.

Resolution # 3

Adjudications Under the Public Service Labour Relations Act

Submitted by the Executive Committee

CUPE New Brunswick will:

●    Lobby the Government of New Brunswick to empower the Labour and Employment Board to oversee the system of grievance mediation and adjudication in the public service, using a system of permanent Adjudicators to hear all cases and to encourage mediation of disputes in an expedited manner

●    Encourage the Federation of Labour to join us in this lobby.

Because

●    The adjudication procedures have become far too lengthy, in many instances cases taking up to a year to be scheduled

●    Rejection of adjudicators by government representatives has resulted in a very small number of persons hearing cases, which contributes to the delay

●    There is a lack of experienced adjudicators and therefore a lack of consistent decisions, leading to more conflict between the parties

Convention decision: approved

Resolution # 4

Constitutional Amendment

Leave of Absence from Employment for President

Submitted by the Executive Committee

The CUPE NB Constitution is to be amended as follows under Section 7 - Duties of Officers

●    Add to 7.1 (President)

   (h)   In order to fulfill his/her duties the President shall be allowed leave of absence from his/her employer for such time as may be approved by the Executive Committee, and such leave shall be reported quarterly to the Executive Committee.

Because:

●    The President of CUPE New Brunswick needs to have the time to carry out the policies and direction of this Division

Convention decision: approved

Resolution # 5

Constitutional Amendment

Addition of Women’s Committee to Constitution

Submitted by the Executive Committee

CUPE New Brunswick will amend its constitution as follows:

●    Add to 8.4 (a)

            (6)       Women’s Committee 3 members and a chairperson

●    Add to 8.4 a new (g) and renumber (g) and (h) to (h) and (i)

            (g)       The Women’s Committee may make recommendations to the Executive of CUPE NB regarding ways to:

                        (1)       Build women's power and make sure CUPE women's voices are heard in our locals and at the bargaining table.

                        (2)       Raise awareness and build support for the fight for equality.

                        (3)       Develop women leaders and activists to work with our brothers and support the union in all its struggles.

Because

●    CUPE New Brunswick has previously formed an ad-hoc Women’s Committee

●    This Committee should have the status of a constitutionally mandated committee

●    Promotion of women’s issues is important to our union.

Convention decision: approved

Resolution # 6

Constitutional Amendment

News Bulletin Update

Submitted by the Executive Committee

CUPE New Brunswick will amend its constitution as follows:

●    Article 10 - News Bulletin

      ○    Delete the existing provision and replace with the following:

Article 10 - Communications

            -    10.1 CUPE New Brunswick will communicate its policies and activities among the locals and membership on a regular basis.

            -    10.2 CUPE New Brunswick will, through the Regional Director, cooperate with the Communications Representative to produce materials, both in print and electronic format, to keep the members informed.

            -    10.3 CUPE New Brunswick will encourage and assist locals to maintain current address, phone and e-mail lists of their membership to promote direct communication with the members.

            -    10.4 CUPE New Brunswick will maintain and promote its web site in a method to keep locals and members informed.

Convention decison: approved

Resolution # 7

Resolution for National Convention 2007

Mandatory Affiliation to Provincial Divisions

Submitted by the Executive Committee

CUPE New Brunswick will submit a resolution to the 2007 National Convention as follows:

●    Article XVI, Section 16.2 of the CUPE Constitution is to be amended to read:

“Where, in any province, the Canadian Union of Public Employees has chartered a provncial Division, chartered Local Unions in the province shall be required to affiliate with same and maintain membership therein.”

Because:

●    All locals benefit, either directly or indirectly, from the activities of the provincial divisions.

●    Provincial divisions are expected to help in carrying out national campaigns and programs.

●    Some provincial divisions suffer financial difficulties when locals fail to maintain affiliation.

●    Provincial divisions would be much more effective if they could speak on behalf of all CUPE members in their province.

Convention decision: approved

Resolution # 8

Bargaining Conference in 2008

Submitted by the Executive Committee

CUPE New Brunswick will:

●    Plan a Bargaining Conference for February 2008

Because:

●    It’s due.

●    A large number of groups will be coming up for negotiations after that time.

Convention decision: approved.

Resolution # 9

Shortage of Tradespersons

Submitted by the Contracting-out and Privatization Committee

Due to the shortage of tradespersons in New Brunswick, and

Due to the aging workforce in New Brunswick and

Due to the requirement that Journeypersons train those who apprentice in the trades, and

It is recognized that New Brunswick was and is a leader in apprenticeship traning,

And that it be the mandate of CUPE New Brunswick Federation of Labour that the Government of the Province of New Brunswick act immediately and in cooperation with CUPE New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Federation of Labour to address the ciris of the shortage of Tradespersons.

That the Province of New Brunswick meet immediately with CUPE New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Federation of labour to strike a working committee to address the shortage of journeypersons.

Convention decision: approved.

Resolution # 10

Privatization of Water

submitted by the Contracting-out and Privatization Committee

Pure Clean Safe and affordable water for drinking will only continue to serve the majority of Canadians well into the future in the hands of publicly owned operated and controlled systems, systems that are not required to generate gains in shareholder profits.

Some of our very own water systems are currently in the hands of and sights of Privateers as ageing systems come in need of capital investment for upgrade, and improve of delivery and treatment infrastructure. New technology also requires upgrading of workers skills and certifications to comply with currently evolving government regulations in order to perform their jobs.

Media has been watching and reporting on Privateers who seek to take control of our most precious resource WATER. It should be no surprise water is now being called the new or liquid gold of the next millennium.

Just watching from the sidelines is no longer an acceptable choice, anything less than a call to action now will not serve us or our next generation well.

Therefore be it resolved: That CUPE members through the N.B. Division start to work more closely on Water Watch coalition partnerships here in New Brunswick with the goal of protecting and enhancing public ownership, and control of safe efficient water delivery and treatment systems.

Convention decision: approved.

Resolution # 11

Retain Forest Wardens on a Year-Round Basis

Submitted by CUPE Local 1190

WHEREAS the Province of NB, Department of Natural Resources has approximately eighty-five(85) Forest Wardens; and

WHEREAS these Forest Warden are members of CUPE Local 1190; and

WHEREAS these Forest Wardens are employees employed on a seasonal basis; and

WHEREAS the work performed by these Forest Wardens is not seasonal work because law enforcement with regard to our forest, game animals, etc. is not seasonal work;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we request that CUPE NB and NB Federation of Labour lobby the Provincial Government, Department of Natural Resources to retain these Forest Wardens on a year round basis.

Withdrawn by local.

Resolution # 12

Funding for Solidarity Pact Meetings

Submitted by CUPE Local 1190

WHEREAS CUPE NB has implemented a “Solidarity Pact”; and

WHEREAS CUPE locals are requested to attend additional meetings when a CUPE Local’s right to Free Collective Bargaining is threatened; and

WHEREAS the additional meetings place additional cost on individual locals;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that CUPE NB in conjunction with CUPE National provide the funding needed by its locals to participate in such meetings.

Convention decision: approved.

Resolution # 13

Travel Regulations

Submitted by CUPE Local 1190

WHEREAS Provincial Travel Regulations do not reflect the rising cost of gas or meals;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that CUPE NB and NB Federation of Labour lobby the Provincial Government to bring travel regulations in line with the Federal Government Standards.

Convention decision: approved.

Resolution # 14

Civil Service Act

Submitted by CUPE Local 1418

Whereas, the Provincial Government has abused the Civil Service Act to exclude and override CUPE Local 1418's collective bargaining process, and

Whereas, under the Civil Service Act the Deputy Heads appointed by the Provincial Government, have the sole authority to politically appoint people to positions, and

Whereas, under the Civil Service Act this authority strips away the free collective bargaining process to negotiate all matters related to promotions including seniority,

Therefore, CUPE 1418 requests CUPE NB to lobby the Provincial Government to exclude the hiring process from the Civil Service Act.

Convention decision: approved.

Resolution # 15

Ammendment to Constitutional Resolution

Submitted by the Executive Committee

Article 8.4 (b) sub (2)

b) The Education Committee may:

2. Select the six (6) recipients for the annual CUPE New Brunswick bursaries

(i) In honor of Brother M.A. (Tex) Hughes two (2) busuries in the amount of

Five hundred dollars ($500.00);

(ii) In honor of Brother George Evans two (2) bursaries in the amount of

Five hundred dollars ($500.00);

(iii) In honor of Brother Thomas Owens (2) bursaries in the amount of

Five hundred dollars ($500.00)

Convention decision: approved.

Resolution # 16
Public Private Partnerships
Submitted by the Contracting-out and Privatization Committee

Whereas in the N.B. provincial budget there is a suggestion that the province embarked into public private partnership for the construction of court houses and jails,

Whereas we know from past experience in this province, in this country and around the world that public private partnerships are not good investments, that they cost more for taxpayers and that they reduced services,

Be it resolved that CUPE, N.B. continue its opposition to any public private partnerships in this province.

Convention decision: approved.

Resolution # 17

Submitted by the Pension and Insured Benefits Committee

Whereas the concept of benefits for same sex couples in pension plan has been accepted by the Supreme Court of Canada,

Whereas the government of Canada has voted legislation that makes same sex marriage legal,

Whereas these changes have not been reflected in most of our pension plan texts,

Be it resolved that CUPE, N.B. encourage its affiliates to demand changes to their pension plan texts so that benefits for same sex beneficiary are spelled out in pension plan texts.

Convention decision: approved.

Resolution # 18

Submitted by the Pension and Insured Benefits Committee

Whereas a number of CUPE locals in New Brunswick do not have pension plan,

Whereas a number of CUPE locals in New Brunswick have defined contributions or group RRSP instead of defined benefits pension plan,

Whereas it is CUPE policy to favour defined benefits pension plan,

Whereas it is proven that defined benefits pension plan is a better option for our members because they translate into better benefits for our members when they retire,

Whereas there are a number of employers and employers organisation who would like to see the disappearance of defined benefits pension plan,

Be it resolved that CUPE N.B. encourage all of its affiliates to negotiate a define benefits pension plan,

Be it further resolved that CUPE N.B. get involve in campaign to support and protect defined benefits pension plan.

Convention decision: approved.

Resolution # 19

Submitted by the Pension and Insured Benefits Committee

Whereas the Province of New Brunswick offers health and dental benefits to retirees that were participating in the government benefits program,

Whereas the retirees have to assume 100% of the cost of those benefits,

Whereas this retirees’ benefits plan is separate from the one for the active,

Be it resolved that CUPE N.B. start a campaign to integrate the retirees plan with the active benefits plan,

Be it further resolved that CUPE N.B. promote the idea that the employer should pay a portion of the retirees’ benefits.

Convention decision: approved.

Resolution # 20
Constitutional Resolution
Submitted by the Executive Committee

CUPE New Brunswick will amend its Constitution as follows

ARTICLE 5 - OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

5.2 The Executive Committee of CUPE New Brunswick shall consist of the President, the Secretary-Treasurer and the Vice-Presidents referred to in Articles 5.3 and 5.4 One of these Vice-Presidents shall be elected, at the first executive board meeting following each annual convention, as First Vice-President. If the President is a male, the First Vice-President shall be elected from among the female Vice-Presidents. The duties of the First Vice-President shall be to chair meetings when the President is not available or upon the request of the President, and to represent CUPE New Brunswick at any time upon request of the President.

7.1 (f) The President of CUPE New Brunswick shall automatically be the nominee for the position of Regional Vice-President at any National Convention. unless the President is elected as a General Vice-President, then the nominee for Regional Vice-President shall be selected from a caucus of New Brunswick delegates at that National Convention. If the General Vice-President is from New Brunswick and is a male, the nominee for Regional Vice-President shall be the President of CUPE New Brunswick, if female, or the First Vice-President if the President is a male.

Convention decision: defeated.

Emergency Resolution # E-1

Fight against the Sackville Water Treatment Facility Privatization

Because the Town of Sackville Council has moved to privatize their Water Treatment Plant;

And because the Town of Sackville employs public employees, members of CUPE Local 1188, who possess both the ability and desire to obtain the necessary certification to meet provincial water standards, and as a result, there is no need to entertain the privatization of this life-giving public service;

And because the Town has steadfastly refused to meet the Local to discuss any options other than privatization;

And because CUPE has been, and continues to be, at the forefront of the fight to keep public services in general, and in particular, water services, as solely public services.

Be it resolved that CUPE New Brunswick Division support CUPE Local 1188, Sackville Municipal Employees, in their fight to return the water services to the Town of Sackville because the Town of Sackville Council has moved to privatize their Water Treatment Plant.

Convention decision: approved.

Emergency Resolution # E-2

New Brunswick Health Care System

Submitted by CUPE 1252, Health Care Workers

CUPE New Brunswick will:

Lobby the Government of New Brunswick to ensure that Health Care remains a Public System

Lobby the Government of New Brunswick to ensure that services provided by CUPE Health Care Workers not be contracted out.

Develop a campaign to stop private services within our Health Care System.

Request that CUPE National and NBFL take all the necessary actions to ensure that the principles of the Canada Health Act are followed.

Mobilize CUPE members across the Province in support of CUPE Local 1252’s Plan of Action up to and including implementation of the Solidarity Pact.

Because:

The New Brunswick Health Minister has stated a parallel private system would not be ruled out.

The New Brunswick Health Minister has stated consolidation of the province’s eight regional authorities into two regions is not being ruled out.

The New Brunswick Health Minister has stated non-clinical services will again be reviewed.

CUPE 1252 is committed to develop a Plan of Action to oppose any attempts at Privatization of any services they provide.

Convention decision: approved.

Emergency Resolution # E-3

Privatization of N.B. Liquor

Submitted by CUPE Local 963

WHEREAS the Government Task Force on Self Sufficiency is recommending that N.B. Liquor sell $500 million in shares on the stock market, and

WHEREAS this is back-door privatization,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT CUPE New Brunswick condemn this sell-off and lobby the government with the Federation of Labour to stop this privatization.

Convention decision: appproved.

Emergency Resolution # E-4

Resistance to the Atlantica Trade Initiative

Submitted by the Executive Committee

CUPE New Brunswick will

• mobilize with our coalition partners to oppose all inter-provincial trade agreements that ignore workers’ rights and the development of free trade zones between Canadian provinces and neighbouring U.S. states, and

• call on all provincial governments to conduct public hearings before signing on to any trade, investment or labour agreements with other provinces or USA states, and

• continue to work with the CUPE National, and CUPE Divisions in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and to expose to our members the negative impact of the Atlantica initiative.

Because

• internal trade agreements and international free trade zones promote unregulated, free market approaches to exports and eliminate the powers of governments to act in the interest of citizens instead of commercial interests.

Convention decision: approved.